MIDDLESBORO — The Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) recently conducted a survey throughout Bell County. The results of KAED’s survey has several developmental wheels turning. The concept for a spa retreat or RV campground at Pine Mountain Industrial Park were just the beginning of economy-boosting proposals.

Over four years ago, Congressman Hal Rogers’ office secured funding for a development project which explored how the land surrounding Cannon Creek Lake could be used. Vaughn and Melton President Bob Vaughn said that protecting the water supply was the main concern in a development at the lake, but they are still intrigued by the idea.

“This [Cannon Creek Lake Project] is just a windshield assessment of economic development in Bell County,” said Vaughn. He continued, “we need to think strategically about how we can grow.”

“Tourism provides us with our best prospect of jobs,” Vaughn said after the Cannon Creek Lake development idea was pitched to the Bell County Chamber of Commerce and members of the public at a J. Milton’s luncheon.

Vaughn & Melton’s review of this study is a proactive measure. Vaughn said that the most important factor, if the project idea comes to fruition, would be to protect the purity of the water source. “We don’t want to wait ‘til someone comes in and acquires the property around the lake and then try to protect it,” stated Vaughn.

Cannon Creek Lake’s Development Project Manager, Sherri Chappell discussed the possibility of developing the Cannon Creek Lake area into a resort/ recreational facility. Chappell stressed her goals with the project: Minimize site disturbance, protect the lake and surrounding properties, and develop a project with no major destruction.

The suggested project could include a recreational park, an RV park, an equestrian stable, a bait and tackle shop, a boat dock and several hiking trails.

“It’s a large area, there’s few roads that actually go up into that area. We came up with a way to [hypothetically] get a road up there,” said Chappell.

The Cannon Creek Lake Project included an infrastructure study. The project would require an accessible roadway to the lake from US Highway 25E. The estimated cost for a road is roughly $3 million. Chappell also approached surrounding property owners with the idea of constructing a new road and developing the area. She stated that property owners seemed responsive to project designs, and most consented to support any future development.

Sarah Miracle is a staff writer for the Daily News. She can be reached via e-mail at smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com.